The 470 male and female classes sailed their Medal Races at the 2012 Worlds in Barcelona in a light breeze. Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS had their title already prematurely, while the fight in the women's class was close with Hanna Mills/Saskia Clarke GBR on top at the end, ahead of Camille Lecointre/Matilde Géron FRA and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Austria (Vadlau/Schimak) qualifies for the last 2012 ISAF Olympic berth. Silver for France also in the men's class with Pierre Leboucher/Vincent Garos FRA. Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO finished 3rd, being for the fourth time in a row on a 470 Worlds podium. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first of the not yet qualified nations for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first nation qualifying for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment. The Swiss Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI follow on the ranks 37 and 40.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI have taken the lead in the Silverfleet, i.e. rank 33 overall. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. The results and the video of the day. The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI succeeded to win a race in the Silverfleet and are now 2nd (=34th overall), Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI however descended on rank 21 Silverfleet (54th overall) after a premature start.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. On rank 11 of the Silverfleet (=38 overall) follow Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI are 48th.
The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. Just six races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. A disqualification and mediocre results yesterday have eliminated Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, rank 42, from the Goldfleet. Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI follow on rank 47. The Swiss Olympic target (12th nation) is herewith out of reach and no 470 will be at the 2012 Olympics. Just 6 races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The two Swiss teams remain - despite of remarkable results yesterday - in the Silverfleet. Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI are thanks to an 8th race rank now on the 39th place, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI follow on position 44. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The results, the report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, day ranks 8 and 3 advance on rank 21 overall, i.e. a Goldfleet position for the moment. 9 points or 8 ranks are missing by Olivier und Adrien Gremaud SUI to make the Goldfleet.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The Swiss women's teams Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI on rank 40 and Stéphanie und Romy Hasler SUI on rank 41 are Silverfleet candidates for the moment. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The 470 World Championships began yesterday afternoon in a light breeze after a start postponement. The men's class, split in three fleets and the women's class, divided in two fleets, sailed one race each, with the French boats dominating the heats. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA and Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA were the winners in their fleets, as were Leboucher/Garos FRA and Bouvet/Guillarme FRA, as well as - obviously - the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS. In the women's, Ainsworth/Weguelin GBR and Kadelbach/Belcher GER were on the 2nd positions. The ranking lists, the official report and the video of the day.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. Not on the entry list the light-wind specialists and European Champions 2011 Emmanuelle Rol SUI/Hélène Defrance FRA. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
The three Swiss teams Brauchli/Hausser SUI, Gremaud/Gremaud SUI and Erni/Zurfluh SUI try to knock the 12 nations' barrier set by Swiss Olympic. The two female teams Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI have in addition the ISAF Nations' berth as a challenge.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

The 470 male and female classes sailed their Medal Races at the 2012 Worlds in Barcelona in a light breeze. Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS had their title already prematurely, while the fight in the women's class was close with Hanna Mills/Saskia Clarke GBR on top at the end, ahead of Camille Lecointre/Matilde Géron FRA and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Austria (Vadlau/Schimak) qualifies for the last 2012 ISAF Olympic berth. Silver for France also in the men's class with Pierre Leboucher/Vincent Garos FRA. Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO finished 3rd, being for the fourth time in a row on a 470 Worlds podium. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first of the not yet qualified nations for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first nation qualifying for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment. The Swiss Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI follow on the ranks 37 and 40.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI have taken the lead in the Silverfleet, i.e. rank 33 overall. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. The results and the video of the day. The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI succeeded to win a race in the Silverfleet and are now 2nd (=34th overall), Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI however descended on rank 21 Silverfleet (54th overall) after a premature start.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. On rank 11 of the Silverfleet (=38 overall) follow Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI are 48th.
The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. Just six races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. A disqualification and mediocre results yesterday have eliminated Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, rank 42, from the Goldfleet. Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI follow on rank 47. The Swiss Olympic target (12th nation) is herewith out of reach and no 470 will be at the 2012 Olympics. Just 6 races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The two Swiss teams remain - despite of remarkable results yesterday - in the Silverfleet. Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI are thanks to an 8th race rank now on the 39th place, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI follow on position 44. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The results, the report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, day ranks 8 and 3 advance on rank 21 overall, i.e. a Goldfleet position for the moment. 9 points or 8 ranks are missing by Olivier und Adrien Gremaud SUI to make the Goldfleet.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The Swiss women's teams Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI on rank 40 and Stéphanie und Romy Hasler SUI on rank 41 are Silverfleet candidates for the moment. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The 470 World Championships began yesterday afternoon in a light breeze after a start postponement. The men's class, split in three fleets and the women's class, divided in two fleets, sailed one race each, with the French boats dominating the heats. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA and Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA were the winners in their fleets, as were Leboucher/Garos FRA and Bouvet/Guillarme FRA, as well as - obviously - the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS. In the women's, Ainsworth/Weguelin GBR and Kadelbach/Belcher GER were on the 2nd positions. The ranking lists, the official report and the video of the day.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. Not on the entry list the light-wind specialists and European Champions 2011 Emmanuelle Rol SUI/Hélène Defrance FRA. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
The three Swiss teams Brauchli/Hausser SUI, Gremaud/Gremaud SUI and Erni/Zurfluh SUI try to knock the 12 nations' barrier set by Swiss Olympic. The two female teams Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI have in addition the ISAF Nations' berth as a challenge.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

The 470 male and female classes sailed their Medal Races at the 2012 Worlds in Barcelona in a light breeze. Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS had their title already prematurely, while the fight in the women's class was close with Hanna Mills/Saskia Clarke GBR on top at the end, ahead of Camille Lecointre/Matilde Géron FRA and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Austria (Vadlau/Schimak) qualifies for the last 2012 ISAF Olympic berth. Silver for France also in the men's class with Pierre Leboucher/Vincent Garos FRA. Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO finished 3rd, being for the fourth time in a row on a 470 Worlds podium. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first of the not yet qualified nations for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first nation qualifying for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment. The Swiss Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI follow on the ranks 37 and 40.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI have taken the lead in the Silverfleet, i.e. rank 33 overall. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. The results and the video of the day. The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI succeeded to win a race in the Silverfleet and are now 2nd (=34th overall), Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI however descended on rank 21 Silverfleet (54th overall) after a premature start.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. On rank 11 of the Silverfleet (=38 overall) follow Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI are 48th.
The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. Just six races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. A disqualification and mediocre results yesterday have eliminated Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, rank 42, from the Goldfleet. Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI follow on rank 47. The Swiss Olympic target (12th nation) is herewith out of reach and no 470 will be at the 2012 Olympics. Just 6 races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The two Swiss teams remain - despite of remarkable results yesterday - in the Silverfleet. Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI are thanks to an 8th race rank now on the 39th place, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI follow on position 44. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The results, the report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, day ranks 8 and 3 advance on rank 21 overall, i.e. a Goldfleet position for the moment. 9 points or 8 ranks are missing by Olivier und Adrien Gremaud SUI to make the Goldfleet.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The Swiss women's teams Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI on rank 40 and Stéphanie und Romy Hasler SUI on rank 41 are Silverfleet candidates for the moment. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The 470 World Championships began yesterday afternoon in a light breeze after a start postponement. The men's class, split in three fleets and the women's class, divided in two fleets, sailed one race each, with the French boats dominating the heats. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA and Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA were the winners in their fleets, as were Leboucher/Garos FRA and Bouvet/Guillarme FRA, as well as - obviously - the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS. In the women's, Ainsworth/Weguelin GBR and Kadelbach/Belcher GER were on the 2nd positions. The ranking lists, the official report and the video of the day.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. Not on the entry list the light-wind specialists and European Champions 2011 Emmanuelle Rol SUI/Hélène Defrance FRA. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
The three Swiss teams Brauchli/Hausser SUI, Gremaud/Gremaud SUI and Erni/Zurfluh SUI try to knock the 12 nations' barrier set by Swiss Olympic. The two female teams Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI have in addition the ISAF Nations' berth as a challenge.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

The 470 male and female classes sailed their Medal Races at the 2012 Worlds in Barcelona in a light breeze. Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS had their title already prematurely, while the fight in the women's class was close with Hanna Mills/Saskia Clarke GBR on top at the end, ahead of Camille Lecointre/Matilde Géron FRA and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Austria (Vadlau/Schimak) qualifies for the last 2012 ISAF Olympic berth. Silver for France also in the men's class with Pierre Leboucher/Vincent Garos FRA. Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO finished 3rd, being for the fourth time in a row on a 470 Worlds podium. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first of the not yet qualified nations for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first nation qualifying for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment. The Swiss Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI follow on the ranks 37 and 40.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI have taken the lead in the Silverfleet, i.e. rank 33 overall. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. The results and the video of the day. The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI succeeded to win a race in the Silverfleet and are now 2nd (=34th overall), Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI however descended on rank 21 Silverfleet (54th overall) after a premature start.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. On rank 11 of the Silverfleet (=38 overall) follow Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI are 48th.
The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. Just six races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. A disqualification and mediocre results yesterday have eliminated Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, rank 42, from the Goldfleet. Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI follow on rank 47. The Swiss Olympic target (12th nation) is herewith out of reach and no 470 will be at the 2012 Olympics. Just 6 races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The two Swiss teams remain - despite of remarkable results yesterday - in the Silverfleet. Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI are thanks to an 8th race rank now on the 39th place, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI follow on position 44. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The results, the report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, day ranks 8 and 3 advance on rank 21 overall, i.e. a Goldfleet position for the moment. 9 points or 8 ranks are missing by Olivier und Adrien Gremaud SUI to make the Goldfleet.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The Swiss women's teams Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI on rank 40 and Stéphanie und Romy Hasler SUI on rank 41 are Silverfleet candidates for the moment. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The 470 World Championships began yesterday afternoon in a light breeze after a start postponement. The men's class, split in three fleets and the women's class, divided in two fleets, sailed one race each, with the French boats dominating the heats. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA and Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA were the winners in their fleets, as were Leboucher/Garos FRA and Bouvet/Guillarme FRA, as well as - obviously - the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS. In the women's, Ainsworth/Weguelin GBR and Kadelbach/Belcher GER were on the 2nd positions. The ranking lists, the official report and the video of the day.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. Not on the entry list the light-wind specialists and European Champions 2011 Emmanuelle Rol SUI/Hélène Defrance FRA. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
The three Swiss teams Brauchli/Hausser SUI, Gremaud/Gremaud SUI and Erni/Zurfluh SUI try to knock the 12 nations' barrier set by Swiss Olympic. The two female teams Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI have in addition the ISAF Nations' berth as a challenge.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

The 470 male and female classes sailed their Medal Races at the 2012 Worlds in Barcelona in a light breeze. Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS had their title already prematurely, while the fight in the women's class was close with Hanna Mills/Saskia Clarke GBR on top at the end, ahead of Camille Lecointre/Matilde Géron FRA and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Austria (Vadlau/Schimak) qualifies for the last 2012 ISAF Olympic berth. Silver for France also in the men's class with Pierre Leboucher/Vincent Garos FRA. Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO finished 3rd, being for the fourth time in a row on a 470 Worlds podium. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first of the not yet qualified nations for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was around 15 kn yesterday on the second day of the 470 Worlds final races in Barcelona. While the lonely ride of the defending champions in the men's class, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS, continues (rank 1 and 5 yesterday, 21 points advantage), another leader change happened in the women's class, but the points' gaps remain small. Hannah Mills/Saskia Clark GBR are now on top of the interims rankings with the same number of points as Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED. Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL follow on the 3rd place. Still in the race for medals are Lecointre/Géron FRA and Petitjean/Douroux FRA. The first nation qualifying for the Olympics is Denmark with Koch/Sommer DEN. Actually on rank 7, they cannot be passed. The worst ranked of the other five nations fighting for an Olympic berth is Russia at this moment. The Swiss Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI follow on the ranks 37 and 40.
Second at present behind the outstanding Belcher/Page AUS are Leboucher/Garos FRA, closely followed by Kliger/Sela ISR. As far as the fight for the Medal Race is concerned, there are 4 teams on the positions 9 to 12, separated by 6 points, battling for the top-10. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI have taken the lead in the Silverfleet, i.e. rank 33 overall. The ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. The results and the video of the day. The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Moderate winds between 10 and 12 kn yesterday off Barcelona, and in addition higher waves and a strong current, making the sailing tactics difficult. Racing resumed now with the classes split in Gold-, Silver and in the men's also Bronzefleets. With the day ranks 2 and 5, Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS extended their lead on 20 points already, but the fight for the further ranks remains thrilling. Kliger/Sela ISR on rank 2 are only one point ahead of Leboucher/Garos FRA and the other chasers Fantela/Marencic CRO, Lindgren/Lindgren FIN or Calabrese Delafuente ARG are only little behind. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI succeeded to win a race in the Silverfleet and are now 2nd (=34th overall), Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI however descended on rank 21 Silverfleet (54th overall) after a premature start.
The situation is very open in the Women's Class where the first boats are very close together. The new leader now are Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA thee points ahead of Aleh/Powrie NZL and Lecointre/Géron FRA. On rank 11 of the Silverfleet (=38 overall) follow Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI are 48th.
The daily report gives an overview of the ISAF Olympic Nations' Qualifications. While in the Men's Class, the 7 open places have been allotted after the qualification phase, there are still 6 nations fighing for the one of the five remaining Women's berths. The event-website.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. Just six races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Light winds again off Barcelona for the last two qualification races. The defending champions are the outstanding leaders in the men's class with a flawless 6 wins in 6 races record sheet, and go with a six points advantage on Marinho/Nunes POR and Lindgren/Lindgren FIN to the Goldfleet finals. Fantela/Marencic CRO and Leboucher/Garos FRA follow on the ranks 4 and 5. A disqualification and mediocre results yesterday have eliminated Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, rank 42, from the Goldfleet. Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI follow on rank 47. The Swiss Olympic target (12th nation) is herewith out of reach and no 470 will be at the 2012 Olympics. Just 6 races have been sufficient to deliver the final seven nations who have qualified to be on the start line at the 2012 470 Olympic Sailing Competition. i.e. Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa.
The French have taken again the lead in the Women's Class at the end of the qualifiers. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA are first one point ahead of Petitjean/Douroux FRA and the tied Aleh/Powrie NZL. Westerhof/Berkhout NED follow another point back on rank 4. With only five Olympic qualification places available at the 2012 470 Worlds, six unqualified nations have made it through to the Goldfleet and will now battle for the slots. There are seven more races of the final series to go and this story is a long way from over yet teams from Austria, China, Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Russia go head to head. The two Swiss teams remain - despite of remarkable results yesterday - in the Silverfleet. Stéphanie and Romy Hasler SUI are thanks to an 8th race rank now on the 39th place, Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI follow on position 44. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The results, the report and the video of the day.

A well established fresh breeze between 15 and 18 kn allowed to sail three races with each of the five fleets of totally 150 teams. Today, the qualifications phase comes to an end. As mostly when a fresher wind fills in, it is the World Champions 2010 time and both - Matthew Belcher/Malcom Page AUS and Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout NED - won all three heats of their fleets, becoming the clear overall leaders in their classes. Marinho/Nunes POR and Fantela/Marencic CRO are on the ranks 2 and 3 in the men. The previous leaders Leboucher/Garos FRA are down on rank 6. Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI, day ranks 8 and 3 advance on rank 21 overall, i.e. a Goldfleet position for the moment. 9 points or 8 ranks are missing by Olivier und Adrien Gremaud SUI to make the Goldfleet.
In the women, Cohen/Bouskila ISR and Kondo/Tabata JPN and Aleh/Powrie NZL with the same number of points follow on the ranks 2 and 3 behind the Dutch ladies. Petitjean/Douroux FRA descended on rank 6. The Swiss women's teams Fiona Testuz/Anne-Sophie Thilo SUI on rank 40 and Stéphanie und Romy Hasler SUI on rank 41 are Silverfleet candidates for the moment. The results, the report and the video of the day.

The 470 World Championships began yesterday afternoon in a light breeze after a start postponement. The men's class, split in three fleets and the women's class, divided in two fleets, sailed one race each, with the French boats dominating the heats. Camille Lecointre/Matilde Geron FRA and Ingrid Petitjean/Nadège Douroux FRA were the winners in their fleets, as were Leboucher/Garos FRA and Bouvet/Guillarme FRA, as well as - obviously - the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS. In the women's, Ainsworth/Weguelin GBR and Kadelbach/Belcher GER were on the 2nd positions. The ranking lists, the official report and the video of the day.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.

Today at noon CET, the start to the first race of the 470 World Championships 2012 will be given in Barcelona. 95 male teams from 33 nations and 54 female team from 30 nations are on the entry lists. According to the weather forecast, the winds will be rather light, what enlarges the number of potential medal winners. In the men's category, the defending champions Belcher/Page AUS are again the key favorites, in the women's, there are several teams with chances. Not on the entry list the light-wind specialists and European Champions 2011 Emmanuelle Rol SUI/Hélène Defrance FRA. In addition to the race for the title, the last Olympic berths (7 men, 5 women) are at stake. For some nations, this is also the final selection event for the Olympics.
The three Swiss teams Brauchli/Hausser SUI, Gremaud/Gremaud SUI and Erni/Zurfluh SUI try to knock the 12 nations' barrier set by Swiss Olympic. The two female teams Hasler/Hasler SUI and Testuz/Thilo SUI have in addition the ISAF Nations' berth as a challenge.
Yesterday, groups of 10 teams sailed an in-port race in Barcelona, see the video. Read also the official preview.